Meet the HBS Armed Forces Alumni Association

Greetings from the Armed Forces Alumni Association (AFAA) of
Harvard Business School! We are an
organization comprised of approximately 85 students from across the
military: Army, Navy, Marines, Air
Force, and Coast Guard. Membership is
not limited to service in the U.S. Military - we are proud to count members of
allied militaries amongst our ranks, as well.
Our member base has a broad array of military tenures and experiences,
and includes those who have completed their military service, Reservists, and
those returning to Active Duty upon graduation.

The mission of the AFAA is three-fold: to assist in the
professional development and job search of our members; to promote camaraderie
amongst the membership base; and to raise awareness and support for the
military on the Harvard Business School campus.
This mission manifests itself in the events that the AFAA hosts
throughout the year. For example, the
AFAA hosts a career fair and industry panels during the Fall Term specifically
tailored for those transitioning out of the military. Leveraging our network,
we invite AFAA alumni and other veterans to return to campus to share their
transition experience and also provide key insights about industry-specific
recruiting processes.

Additionally, in the Fall Term, the club hosts resume
reviews in conjunction with the HBS Career and Professional Development office,
and provides opportunities for first year members to speak with second year members about their summer
internship experiences. Many members
find these sessions vital in preparing for their job search and career
transition.

In an effort to build camaraderie amongst the members, the
club hosts a variety of social events throughout the year. From monthly beer calls (generally held at
local Harvard Square bars) to family-friendly events (such as dinner at the New
England Aquarium in Boston) there is something for everyone. The annual retreat, held each fall in various
locations outside of Boston, provides an opportunity for the incoming RCs to
get to know each other, as well as their EC peers. This event is an excellent way for the new
RCs to get other veterans’ perspectives on life at HBS. Club leadership actively seeks suggestions
for future social events – it’s all in the name of bringing people together!

To facilitate the final leg of our mission, the AFAA also
puts on a number of events to help build support for the military across HBS. Each year, the AFAA hosts a Veterans Day
dinner on campus, and extends an invitation to all members of the HBS
community. This evening gives everyone a
chance to experience military traditions and hear from notable veterans, both
HBS alumni and at large. Additionally,
the club conducts a campus-wide fundraiser each year to collect money for the
New England Center for Homeless Veterans, and in the process, works to build
awareness about serious issues facing the veteran population.

We wish you all the best in your journey to business
school. If we can be of any assistance
along the way, please do not hesitate to reach out to us!